The following is a letter written to Worchester Telgram & Gazette newspaper by John Flattery, APWU President of Central Massachusetts Area Local #4553:

As reported (Telegram & Gazette, Dec. 13), the American Postal Workers Union, Central Massachusetts Area Local 4553 AFL-CIO held an informational picket in front of the Leominster Post Office on Dec. 12. The purpose of this action was to bring to light the volatile situation inside the post office. The Central Massachusetts Area Local-APWU believes this hostile environment is a byproduct of Postmaster Scot Florio’s management style.

In June 2003, the T&G reported that two selectmen and one former selectman in Auburn had written to postal officials as well as federal legislators, seeking to remove Mr. Florio as postmaster in that town. Mr. Florio’s management style was among the chief concerns at that time.

The many employees who thanked us for picketing had hoped that this protest would spark interest in their problems and hopefully begin a process that would ease the tension level in this facility.
 
As this point, it seems the postal service is less interested in addressing the concerns of the dedicated postal employees who toil in this volatile environment and more interested in hoping this story just goes away. Unfortunately, problems don’t just go away, they get worse with neglect. I only hope the postal service doesn’t ignore this problem until it becomes a tragedy.

   

  Photos: Leominster Picket - Success